Beautiful Dublin Bay was awarded Biosphere status on Wednesday to help protect and preserve it an ecological and cultural site.

North Bull Island received the status in 1981 but it is now extended to the rest of the 300 sq km area.

The marine and land area, which includes spots such as Booterstown Marsh, Howth Head and Killiney Hill, received the nod from the prestigious United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

The accolade coincides with the launch of the new Dublin Bay Partnership, to follow a sustainable green economic model for the Bay.

Dublin Bay is now part of a global network of 651 Biosphere Reserves in 120 countries but the only other Irish one is Killarney Park in Co Kerry.

Biospheres are noted for biological diversity but are established to promote a balance between humans and wildlife.

Speaking at the launch at the North Bull Wall, Jobs Minister Richard Bruton said: “Dublin Bay is a hugely important asset for our city, a great amenity for the residents of Dublin as well as a significant draw for tourists.

“Properly protecting and developing the potential of the Bay can enhance the quality of life of people living in the city, as well as fostering jobs and economic growth throughout Dublin.”

Here we look at some of the stunning sights and experiences on offer within the Dublin Bay Biosphere.

1) North Bull Island

North Bull Island began to form just over 200 years ago and is home to a huge array of wildlife, including sanderlings, kestrels and cuckoos in habitats such as alder marsh.

Dublin Bay was unveiled as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve at a special event on North Bull Wall.

It is also the perfect location for an array of human activities, such as bird-watching, golfing and kite-surfing.

It was listed on the World Network of Biosphere Reserves in 1981.

2) Howth Head

Howth Head is renowned for its spectacular views, the ruins of 15th century St Mary’s Abbey and, of course, fish and chips.

Beautiful...Howth Bay

It is also known for a cliff walk up to 7.5km long.

3) Killiney Hill

Killiney is the most southern of the two hills that form the southern boundary of Dublin Bay.

From the top of the 153 metres tall hill you can see views stretching through Dublin Bay and into the Irish Sea.

Killiney Hill used to be taller but parts of the summit was removed when Dun Laoghaire pier was being built.

4) The Tolka Estuary

Linked to North Bull Island and South Dublin Bay and home to several species of aquatic birds that move between them.

It flows for around 14 miles from Dunshaughlin in Co Meath to Fingal.

It is a highly popular spot for anglers and is inhabited by brown and sea trout.

The Tolka hit the headlines for all the wrong reasons last summer when hundreds of fish were killed along a 2km heavily-polluted stretch.

Sunrise at Great South Wall, Poolbeg, Dublin Bay this morning (Image: Carole (Ducky))

5) Baldoyle Estuary

Baldoyle Bay stretches from Howth’s West Pier to just below Portmarnock village.

It is a renowned area of conservation, as it is home to rare Brent Geese and seven other species that are seldom observed on Irish shores. Just as importantly, the Sluice River Marsh is a relatively undisturbed freshwater marsh, which is now also rare in the capital.

6) Booterstown Marsh

Booterstown is the only remaining saltmarsh on the south shore of Dublin Bay and has both salt and fresh water intakes.

It is also the only bird sanctuary in South Dublin Bay and is an important feeding and roosting area for ducks, geese and waders.

It is thought to have the highest concentration of wintering waterfowl on any Irish estuary.

7) Dalkey Island

Dalkey Island lies just over 300 metres off the mainland and is home to Martello Island, which was built in the early 1880s to help British troops defend the capital in case of an invasion by French Emperor Napoleon.

Beautiful Dalkey

Wild goats and rabbits roam the island and it is also possible to spot the seal colony that have made a home in its rocky waters.

It is also a haven for fishermen as it is known to be a good spot to catch pollock and mackerel.

8) Ireland’s Eye

Uninhabited Ireland’s Eye island is 15 minutes off the Dublin coast that has the ruins of a 6th century monastery.

It is a rocky bird sanctuary, where gannets and seagulls are just some of the species which can be observed.